A Life Well Loved

Last week, I wrote about the connection between divine health and having a prosperous soul. At the time, I never anticipated that one of the most prosperous souls I have ever known, my father-in-law, Dr. Primo Roxas, would quietly slip into eternity on Saturday, October 19, 2013.

My father-in-law was like a second dad to me, always positive and encouraging. His own early life had not been easy. Born into a large family in the Philippines, he put himself through medical school and immigrated to the United States as a young man. He was dedicated to his profession as an anesthesiologist, but was able to maintain a healthy balance between his career, his marriage and his family.

Somewhat unusual for his generation, Dad valued and respected his wife's career as a pediatrician as much as he did his own. Together they made a comfortable living, but rather than amassing wealth, Dad put his resources to work blessing others. He helped numerous family members immigrate to the United States, made sure his own four children and all of his grandchildren were able to obtain college educations, and took the extended family on wonderful vacations.

He had many interests outside his professional life that he pursued with enjoyment. He loved fishing, playing cards (especially bridge), traveling, music (he played the ukulele and piano), and was always up for trying new foods. “Mom” was the love of his life. They were competitive square dancers and married nearly 60 years this December.

Dad's relationships were characterized by honesty, integrity and respect for others. He was generally an even-tempered person who readily forgave an offense rather than nursing bitterness or anger. His attitude toward challenges in life was positive and he was an ongoing source of encouragement to those around him.

He successfully battled two bouts with cancer and in the end simply died peacefully without illness or suffering. In remembering him this week, one way I could best describe him is “a life well loved.” He loved all of us, but he loved his own life as well, and we all certainly loved him.

Proverbs 13:22 states, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” Dad left his family and friends with a rich legacy of wonderful memories, opportunities for education, travel, life in a new country, and the example of a prosperous soul.

Father God intends that each one of us should have a full, abundant life overflowing with love and blessings. It is a life characterized by a prosperous soul that avoids strife and envy and keeps short accounts with anger. Father God tells us: “Do not harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, you find disorder and every evil work.” (James 3:14, 16) “See to it that no one misses the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness grows up to cause trouble.” (Hebrews 12:15)

Current medical research confirms that physical, emotional and social stress all have a negative impact on our health. We need to follow Father God's instructions for a prosperous soul. I encourage you today to decide to live a life well loved.

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM when our own Pastor David Oh will be speaking on “The Believer's Authority and Healing.” Don't forget our healing service that begins at 2:30 PM on Sunday.

Pastor Che